The moment the scent of baking bread fills the air, there's an undeniable thrill that washes over me, especially during the holiday season. This year, I'm excited to share my delightful Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread—a tender, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. Not only does it whip up in no time, but it also doubles as a charming homemade gift, sparking joy and smiles from everyone lucky enough to receive it. Infused with the richness of buttermilk and a colorful dash of festive sprinkles, this quick bread is bound to become the centerpiece of your holiday gatherings. Want to know how to create this cheerful addition to your table? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why is This Bread a Holiday Must?
Festive and Fun: This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a delightful twist on traditional holiday baking, bringing a pop of color and joy to your table.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you'll whip up this tender bread in no time, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Versatile Treat: Whether enjoyed warm at brunch or gifted to friends, it’s a versatile recipe that spreads cheer in many ways. If you love the idea of easy creative baking, check out our Cinnamon Crunch Bread for more inspiration!
Memorable Flavors: The rich buttermilk and almond extract create a beautiful balance of flavors, while festive sprinkles take it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Perfect for Gatherings: This bread not only tastes amazing but also serves as a stunning centerpiece for your holiday celebrations, sure to impress family and friends!
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Ingredients
For the Bread
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure and texture; can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture; brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
- Baking powder – A leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
- Baking soda – Works with buttermilk to enhance the bread's lightness.
- Kosher salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Buttermilk – Creates a tender crumb; can substitute with regular milk mixed with vinegar (1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar).
- Egg – Binds ingredients and adds richness; use a flax egg or applesauce for a vegan option.
- Unsalted butter – Adds moisture and richness; can replace with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil.
- Almond extract – Provides a lovely flavor; vanilla extract works as a substitute if almond is unavailable.
- Sprinkles – Adds color and festivity; use jimmies for baking into the batter and nonpareils only for topping.
For the Glaze
- Powdered sugar – Used in the glaze for sweetness and decoration.
- Corn syrup – Helps achieve the right consistency for the glaze; honey can be a substitute.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the upper third of the oven to ensure even baking. Prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal later.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until well combined. This will create the perfect dry mixture for your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. Look for an even distribution of the dry ingredients, ensuring no lumps remain to achieve a smooth batter.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, and almond extract until fully combined. The mixture should appear creamy and slightly frothy. This combination of wet ingredients will bring richness and moisture to your bread, so make sure they are blended well for a tender crumb.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold together using a spatula until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bread. Stir in the colorful sprinkles, allowing them to create festive pockets of joy throughout your batter.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for even baking. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Step 6: Cool the Bread
Once baked, remove the Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This cooling period helps the bread set. Afterward, carefully lift the bread out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, which should take around 1-2 hours.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
After the bread has cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar, buttermilk, and corn syrup in a small bowl until smooth. The glaze should have a pourable consistency; if it’s too thick, gradually add more buttermilk. This sweet glaze is the finishing touch that adds an irresistible shine to your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread.
Step 8: Glaze and Garnish
Spoon the prepared glaze generously over the cooled bread, letting it drizzle down the sides for a beautiful presentation. Immediately sprinkle nonpareils on top to finish off your festive masterpiece, transforming your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread into a visually stunning holiday treat!
What to Serve with Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Savoring a slice of this festive bread opens the door to delightful pairings that elevate your holiday breakfast or brunch experience.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balance, enhancing the sweetness of the bread. The juicy burst of citrus complements the richness delightfully.
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Hot Cocoa: This cozy beverage adds warmth and comfort to your meal, perfect for the holiday season. The rich chocolate flavor and whipped cream or marshmallows create a festive treat.
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Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy and savory, scrambled eggs provide a delicious, protein-packed counterpoint to the sweetness of the bread. Add fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost.
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Maple Syrup: Drizzling a bit of maple syrup over the warm slices brings a rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the buttermilk’s tartness. It creates a comforting sweet breakfast experience.
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Spiced Chai Tea: The fragrant spices from a warm cup of chai tea harmonize beautifully with the bread's flavors, enhancing the holiday ambiance. A touch of milk in your tea adds a cozy twist.
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Cream Cheese Frosting: For a dessert spin, spread a light layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the slices. The creamy tanginess beautifully balances the sweetness of the Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses adds a savory element that complements the sweetness, creating a sophisticated bite. Try pairing with sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese for delicious contrasts.
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Variations
Get ready to let your creativity shine as you customize this delightful recipe to suit your taste!
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Vanilla Substitute: Swap almond extract for vanilla for a warm, sweet flavor that complements the festive sprinkles beautifully.
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Citrus Zest: Infuse some sunshine into your bread by adding orange or lemon zest. This adds a refreshing brightness and balances the sweetness.
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Sprinkle Varieties: Experiment with other types of sprinkles like themed colors for different holidays or even seasonal flavors. It’s a fun way to tailor the bread for any occasion.
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Vegan Twist: Use a flax egg or applesauce instead of a regular egg. This makes the bread vegan-friendly without compromising its delightful softness.
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Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Your gluten-sensitive friends will appreciate this festive addition!
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Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist. They bring a lovely texture contrast and deepen the flavor further.
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Sweet Glaze: Mix in a splash of vanilla extract into your glaze for an extra boost of flavor. This small change can elevate the sweetness to new heights!
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Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, drizzle melted chocolate on top instead of icing. It makes for a decadent treat that pairs well with coffee or cocoa!
Feel free to get inspired! With each variation, you’re not just baking; you’re sharing unique, homemade joy perfect for every holiday gathering, much like our scrumptious Cinnamon Crunch Bread!
Storage Tips for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Room Temperature: Keep the bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its delicious moistness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread for up to 1 month. Make sure it's wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen bread at room temperature for about 1-2 hours before serving, allowing it to warm up naturally.
Reheating: To enjoy the bread warm, slice and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will revive its delightful texture and flavor!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread delights are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container to save time. The wet ingredients, including buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and almond extract, can also be whisked together and kept in the refrigerator overnight. When you're ready to bake, simply combine the wet and dry mixtures, fold in the sprinkles, and bake as directed. To maintain quality, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap after it cools completely, and enjoy it fresh for up to 3 days or freeze for a month.
Expert Tips for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
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Check for Doneness: Always test the bread with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when fully baked for the best Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread.
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Avoid Color Bleeding: Reserve nonpareils for topping only, as they can bleed into the batter, ruining the vibrant look of your finished bread.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your buttermilk, egg, and butter are at room temperature to achieve a smoother batter and a lighter texture.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix wet and dry ingredients gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, chewy bread instead of fluffy, tender slices.
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Make Ahead: If preparing in advance, tightly wrap the bread in plastic wrap after it cools to keep it moist, delicious, and ready for serving later.
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe FAQs
What type of sprinkles should I use for the best results?
I recommend using jimmies for baking into the batter, as they hold their shape and won't bleed color. Reserve nonpareils exclusively for topping after glazing to keep your bread's festive appearance intact.
How do I store Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
Keep your bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This prevents it from drying out and helps maintain that delicious, moist texture.
Can I freeze Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
What can I substitute if I don’t have buttermilk?
If you're out of buttermilk, no worries! You can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly, and then use it as a direct replacement in the recipe.
Can I make this bread vegan?
Yes, you can! To make a vegan version of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes) or ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce. Use plant-based milk combined with vinegar as the buttermilk replacement.
What should I do if my bread comes out too dense?
If your bread turns out dense, it’s likely due to overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients. Be sure to mix just until combined for a light texture, and also ensure your buttermilk, egg, and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This will lead to a fluffier loaf!
Delightful Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Easy Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and almond extract until creamy and frothy.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold until just combined, then stir in sprinkles.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, testing for doneness.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over the cooled bread.
- Sprinkle nonpareils on top for decoration and serve.
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